Grenada

Grenadillos – Arrive at Grenada

Being very well satiated with our sojourn on shore, we were glad to be able to get on board at twelve oClock, when we immediately set sail for Grenada with very light but favourable breezes. During the afternoon we had rather squally weather, which you almost always meet with in these places. We sailed at an easy rate passed a long line of numerous island[s], called the Grenadines or Grenadillos. These extended all the way from S.t Vincents to Grenada, and are pretty barren and partly cultivated. Of these the most important are Becquia near S.t Vincents, and Cariaco farther on. The sight was beautiful in the extreme. To your left as you steered to Grenada the long range of islands presented every variety of shapes, features and size – large, small – round, flat, and broken – here receding far towards toe horizon, appearing like a speck, there close aboard of you, so that you could recognise every village, house or tree. At the extremity of all we saw Grenada, near to which we were at 7 P.M. – but our Commander, not wishing to go in at night, when the post office would be closed, determined to lat off and on all night.

Sunday 7th August – this morning when I came upon deck as 6 oClock, we were gently moving thro’ the water alongside of the Grenada. Little wind was stirring. I had a better opportunity of viewing the island than I had last time and my opinion of its beauty has risen considerably. You saw before a series of mountains, or elevations separated from each other by deep ravines, the sides of which were lined with trees and shrubs. On the declivities were many cultivated spots with lovely, scattered huts, and here & there a village.

At 9 A.M. we were off S.t George’s, when the Master, Lieut.t Mercer, and myself went on shore. I have already in my log of our former Jamaica voyage told you what impression it produced upon me. I have very little to add farther. This is the first Sunday which I have spent on shore in the West Indies – and I must say that the way in which it was kept at Grenada was most creditable. All was quite decent and orderly. The stores were all shut up, which proved a bad job for our men, who wished to dispose of their several ventures. At 1 P.M. we received out Mail, and made sail for Jamaica – Squally weather – breeze favourable.

Monday 8 August – very cloudy gloomy weather. Wind favourable but variable in strength. The weather indeed was so threatening and the wind so fitful – that we were apprehensive of a hurricane, one of which had taken place only five weeks before and had done very great damage. As it is always best to be overcautious than over negligent, we shortened sail and made all snug. About 10 P.M. the sky cleared up promising the moderate and settled weather.

Tuesday 9th – very fine weather – fresh and favourable breeze.

Wednesday 10th – variable weather – generally fine. Fresh and favourable breeze.

Thursday 11th – squally weather with heavy showers this morning. Coast of S.t Domingo and the small island or insulated rock of Altanela very distinctly seen, particularly the latter, from which we were only a few miles off. Very fine weather during the day. Moderate and favourable breeze.

Friday 12th – a long line of Haytian coast, terminating in Cape Tiberon in sight this morning – with the wind blowing off the land. Light sea breeze during the day. Fresh land breeze at night.

Saturday 13th – dull gloomy weather all day – wind shifting every minute. Being afraid of having very blowing w.r as this is the hurricane season, we sailed under close reefed topsails and reefed foresails, frequent squalls. Upon consulting our marine barometer the mercury stood at 30.2, which of course, if it could be trusted indicated no storms. In the evening all this ominous aspect of the weather had disappeared, and gave us the enjoyment of a most lovely moon-light, together with a fresh and favourable breeze. The Island of Jamaica was just seen as darkness began to fall around. We however stood on till 12 oClock at night, when we lay off & on till day light.